Tombstoning warning as lifeguards return to West Sussex beaches
People are being warned not to swim in the River Arun this Bank Holiday weekend
People are being warned against tombstoning or swimming in the River Arun at Littlehampton over the Bank Holiday weekend.
A safety message is being shared by a number of agencies, ahead of the return of RNLI lifeguards to beaches in the town and in Bognor on Saturday (May 1st).
Those include Arun District Council, Littlehampton Town Council, Littlehampton Harbour Board, Littlehampton Coastguard Rescue Team and the RNLI.
Many risks exist that could cause life-threatening or life-changing injuries - or even death - to anyone participating in these dangerous activities.
The depth of water can be deceiving due to the varying tides and the shallower areas at the river’s edge. Hidden dangers lurk beneath the water line such as rocks, debris or abandoned equipment which could cause injury, paralysis or loss of life if landed on.
The effect of cold-water shock, even on warmer days, can make it difficult to breathe and swim, and the notoriously strong tidal current of the river Arun can quickly sweep people away from a safe and accessible way of exiting the water.
Boats using the river find it near impossible to see the heads of swimmers so there is a very real risk of being struck by a boat. Swimming in the river without permission is prohibited.
Philippa Dart, Director of Services at Arun District Council, said:
“We have joined forces with other agencies to really push home the importance of this safety message. Tombstoning is an extremely dangerous activity that could ruin your life so it’s worth thinking twice before taking such a risk.
"Swimming in the River Arun at Littlehampton is highly dangerous too and is also against the rules.
"If you are a parent or guardian of somebody who engages in these activities, please speak with them and emphasise the dangers before it’s too late.”
Littlehampton Harbour Master, Harry Gregory, said:
“Whilst leaping into our beautiful river may initially seem appealing in warm weather or an exciting way to blow off some steam, there are many serious hazards that are not always immediately obvious.
"Those tempted should also be aware that the harbour’s safety regulations (which are enforceable in court if necessary) prohibit jumping or diving from the river wall as well as any jetty, pier, pontoon, bridge or boat without permission.
“The same applies to swimming in the ‘fairway’ (the main river channel where water remains at low tide) because boats navigating the swift river flow can find it very difficult to see and avoid swimmers.
"Unauthorised access to the river via pontoons and slipways is both trespass and unsafe due to the frequent and unpredictable use of these areas by boats. Swimmers are encouraged to stick to the designated bathing areas on the local beaches where buoyed areas protect them from boats, and they also remain under the watchful eye of RNLI beach lifeguards when they are present during the peak summer season.”
Doug Tapp, Station Officer of the Littlehampton Coastguard Rescue Team, said:
"We’ll always respond when someone calls 999 and asks for the Coastguard but help us to help you by not making choices which could put yourself, friends, family and frontline emergency service responders at risk.
"We want people to have fun but stay safe when out enjoying our beautiful beaches and coastlines. As ever, our message is, ‘Keep safe, but if you see anybody in trouble or if you get into difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard’.
"Take extra care at the coast for the remainder of this summer as we don’t want you to remember your days out and trips to the beach for all the wrong reasons.”
Whilst the harbour welcomes organised open water swimming events and the annual charity “Littlehampton Leap” from the Red Footbridge in normal times, these are only given permission following careful risk assessment and most often require safety boats, spotters, advance notification to boat owners or other safety measures.
The RNLI has a number of educational water safety resources available online.
In the event of a coastal emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.